Everything is turning digital, and the demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing. Whether you’re just starting your IT career or looking to specialize in security, the CompTIA Security+ certification is often seen as a requirement for getting past HR and landing interviews.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What is CompTIA Security+?
CompTIA Security+ is a globally recognized certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions. It’s ideal for IT professionals who want to gain a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices.
This certificate is vendor-neutral, meaning it’s not tied to any specific company’s products or services. Instead, it focuses on universal security concepts that apply across various technologies and environments.
Who should pursue this certification?
- IT professionals looking to move into security roles
- Cybersecurity enthusiasts seeking to validate their knowledge
- Anyone aiming for a career in information security
- Experience Level: Beginners
- Certificate Focus: Foundational Cybersecurity Knowledge
- Exam Voucher Pricing: $404 USD
- Training Pricing: Abundance Of Free Training Material Online
CompTIA Security+ Certification Details
Prerequisites: There are no strict prerequisites, but CompTIA recommends having at least two years of IT administration experience with a security focus. Familiarity with basic networking concepts is also beneficial.
Validity: The certificate is valid for three years. To maintain it, complete continuing education units (CEUs) or retake the exam.
Benefits: Holding a CompTIA Security+ certification can:
- Increase your earning potential
- Open doors to new job opportunities
- Demonstrate your commitment to cybersecurity
- Provide a foundation for more advanced security certifications
CompTIA Security+ Exam Overview
The CompTIA Security+ exam (SY0-701) consists of a maximum of 90 questions, including multiple-choice and performance-based items. You’ll have 90 minutes to complete the exam, and a passing score is 750 (on a scale of 100-900).
CompTIA Security+ Exam Cost
The standard price for the CompTIA Security+ exam is $404 USD. However, costs may vary depending on your location and whether you purchase any additional study materials or bundles. Keep an eye out for discounts or vouchers, especially if you’re a student or military member.
See CompTIA’s official Security+ exam page for more pricing info.
CompTIA Security+ Exam Objectives
The exam covers six main domain areas:
- Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities (24%)
- Architecture and Design (21%)
- Implementation (25%)
- Operations and Incident Response (16%)
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Governance, Risk, and Compliance (14%)
Key topics include network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, application, data and host security, access control and identity management, and cryptography.
How to Study for CompTIA Security+
Lucky for you, CompTIA Security+ has plenty of free and high-quality resources online. A popular option is Professor Messer.
You can also take a more standard route if you’re willing to pay for books and training.
- Official CompTIA Security+ Study Guide: You can start with the official guide to ensure you cover all required topics.
- Online Courses As Supplemental Resources: Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer comprehensive Security+ courses.
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Practice Tests: Regular practice tests help identify knowledge gaps and familiarize you with the exam format.
CompTIA Security+ Practice Test Resources
Practice tests often make the difference in a passing and failing score. These tests will be useful in identifying what your weaknesses are.
- Official CompTIA CertMaster Practice: Offers adaptive learning and performance-based questions.
- Third-party Providers: Websites like ExamCompass and CertBlaster offer free practice questions.
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Paid Options: Providers like Kaplan IT Training and Sybex offer more comprehensive practice exams.
Remember, while practice tests are valuable, they shouldn’t be your only study method. Use them to complement your overall study strategy.
The Sec+ is a popular certificate, even for people who don't work in cybersecurity, such as software engineers and system admins.
How Hard is CompTIA Security+?
The difficulty of the CompTIA Security+ exam can vary based on your background and experience. Many consider it challenging but achievable with proper preparation.
Factors affecting difficulty:
- Your IT and security background
- Study time and method
- Ability to perform well in multiple-choice tests
Tips for success:
- Start studying well in advance
- Focus on understanding concepts, not just memorizing facts
- Use practice tests to identify gaps in knowledge
CompTIA Security+ Salary Expectations
The salary for Security+ certified professionals can vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and specific job roles. According to PayScale, the average salary for professionals with the CompTIA Security+ certification is around $78,000 per year in the United States.
However, this can range from about $52,000 for entry-level positions to over $115,000 for senior roles. Remember, certification alone doesn’t guarantee a specific salary – your overall experience and skills play a significant role.
CompTIA Security+ Jobs and Career Opportunities
One of the biggest reasons people get the Security+ is because of its demand. The Security+ is by far the most requested certificate on job postings and is often seen as a “checklist” item by HR.
The Security+ certification can open doors to various roles, including:
- Information Security Analyst
- Network Administrator
- Systems Administrator
- Security Engineer
- Security Consultant
Many professionals use Security+ as a stepping stone to more advanced roles and certifications in cybersecurity.
Conclusion
The CompTIA Security+ certification is a valuable asset for anyone looking to start or advance their career in cybersecurity. While the exam can be challenging, with proper preparation and dedication, it’s an achievable goal that can significantly boost your career prospects.
Whether you’re aiming to increase your salary, change career paths, or simply validate your security knowledge, Security+ offers a solid return on investment. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the skills you gain through this certification will only become more valuable.
Off the Record
This certificate isn’t worth much once you’ve landed a cybersecurity job. The content is shallow and can be passed by most people in a relatively short time. Unfortunately, if you want to land your first cybersecurity job, you need to play the game and get this certificate. Why?
The real value of this cert is that it increases your chances of landing a job. Similar to a degree, you get the Security+ to have a better chance of getting a seat in an interview. Essentially, the Sec+ is an HR checklist item and only an average way of determining if you’re qualified for the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is the CompTIA Security+ exam?
The standard price is $404 USD, but costs may vary based on location and any available discounts.
Q: How long does it take to prepare for the exam?
Most people spend 1-3 months studying, depending on their background and study intensity.
Q: Is CompTIA Security+ worth it for beginners?
A: Yes, it’s an excellent entry point into cybersecurity, providing a solid foundation of knowledge.
Q: Can I take the exam online?
A: Yes, CompTIA offers both in-person and online proctored exams.
Q: How does Security+ compare to other CompTIA certifications?
A: Security+ is more specialized than A+ or Network+, focusing specifically on cybersecurity concepts and practices.